American Democracy from a Platonic View

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Also, Plato explained that ‘a reciprocal relationship exists between the individual and the kind of society he or she lives in (Socio 77).’ Therefore, the society in which someone resides can affect that someone, and also the someone that resides in that society can affect that society. This gives me hope, that even though our current government leaders are attempting to negatively affect our societies through their plans, that we as a democratic citizens can still pull through. It may take extra work and dedication to things like the cardinal virtues, reason and spirit, but I think it is possible.

In a dialogue with Socrates, Plato says ‘You can’t persuade people who won’t listen (Soccio 77).’ Donald Trump is unwilling to listen to many. He is unwilling to listen to those who contest him, to those who doubt or question him, and that shows his ignorance. ‘Not everyone is capable of participating in rational discourse. Some people lack the intellect. Some lack the will. Some might lack even both (Soccio 77).’ Hopefully, Donald Trump won’t scar our democracy too greatly. As far as Plato goes, I believe that our current American democracy may be exactly what he considered to be the flaws of the process. Would it be wrong to say that Donald may be looking to be such a powerful leader that he controls all (tyranny)? A politically powerful leader who is ‘a slave to his own lust for power and domination’ could create create imbalance and danger for our society (Soccio 83).

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